Wildlife And Biodiversity: Conservation

In Rajasthan Geography, Rajasthan’s biodiversity, including Ranthambore’s tigers and Jaisalmer’s desert species, flourishes in varied ecosystems. Conservation in parks and sanctuaries protects these assets, boosting ecology and tourism.

Previous Year Question

Year

Question

Marks

2024

Mark the following Conservation Reserves on given outline map of Rajasthan:
(A) Sorsan
(B) Akhargaon
(C) Gogelav
(D) Jod Beed Goadwale
राजस्थान के दिए गए रेखा-मानचित्र पर निम्नलिखित संरक्षित क्षेत्रों को चिह्नित कीजिए :
(A) सोरसन
(B) आखरगाँव
(C) गोगेलाव
(D) जोड़ बीड़ गाडावाला

2 M

2024

Explain ‘Sacred Groves’ of Rajasthan.
राजस्थान के “पवित्र उपवन’ स्थलों का वर्णन कीजिए।

5 M

2023

Name the major endangered species of wild life found in Southern Aravalli region of Rajasthan. What are the major reasons for wild life loss in the state?
राजस्थान के दक्षिणी अरावली प्रदेश की प्रमुख संकटग्रस्त वन्यजीव प्रजातियों के नाम लिखिए। राज्य में वन्यजीव हानि के मुख्य कारण क्या हैं ?

5 M

2018

Name any eight conservation reserves of Rajasthan ?
राजस्थान के कोई आठ संरक्षित क्षेत्रों के नाम लिखिए ?

2M

2013

What is Biodiversity ? Name the technologies that can be used for its propagation and conservation in a given ecosystem using suitable examples ?
.जैव-विविधता क्या है ? उपयुक्त उदाहरणों सहित किसी दिये गये पारिस्थिति तंत्र में इसके प्रसार तथा  संवर्धनके लिये उपयोगी तकनीकों के नाम लिखें ?

5M

Wildlife And Biodiversity

  • Biodiversity is the combined diversity at all the levels of biological organisation in a given area.
  • With its varied topography, Rajasthan boasts a rich biodiversity and offers a diverse range of habitats for wildlife. Following Assam, Rajasthan holds the second rank in terms of wildlife. Historically, Rajasthan has been referred to as the ‘Hunter’s Paradise.’

Threats to biodiversity and wildlife include

  1. Habitat loss and fragmentation: Agricultural expansion and infrastructure projects like DMIC, Expressway, and Pachpadra refinery have led to fragmentation of habitats.
    • Since human settlements increased into the interior desert habitat, desert wolves were in direct conflict with the shepherds. Now they are restricted to a few places near the Luni riverbed in Jodhpur and the foothills of the Aravallis.
  2. Climate changes : IIT Bombay study shows that Rajasthan’s precipitation and IGNP water availability have risen in the last two decades, impacting xerophytic flora and fauna negatively.
    • distribution of desert foxes is reducing. → desert fox shows avoidance of thick green woodlands as they are typically adapted to open dry grassland and desert environments.
  3. Development Projects
    • Electricity projects are impeding the natural flying zone of the Great Indian Bustard.
    • ‘Rajasthan’s Orans, habitats for endangered species like the Great Indian Bustard, face threats from green energy projects.
  4. Pollution: Increasing pollution like air, water, and soil pollution, along with greenhouse gas emissions, agricultural fertilizers, and plastic waste, pose severe threats to wildlife habitats and ecosystems. Contaminants, excessive light, and noise further endanger many species.
  5. Overexploitation of resources : Illegal sand mining and the disappearance of 31 hills in the Aravallis have raised concerns, posing a threat to biodiversity and wildlife
  6. Invasive species : The desert ecosystem faces severe invasion by invasive species like Prosopis juliflora, Lantana camara, Parthenium hysterophorus, Ageratum conyzoides, and Argemone Mexicana.
  7. Human-wildlife conflict in Rajasthan from January 2016 to December 2018: 338 interactions between humans and leopards reported, resulting in 56 leopard deaths

Loss of biodiversity in a region may lead to

  • decline in plant production
  • lowered resistance to environmental perturbations such as drought
  • increased variability in certain ecosystem processes such as plant productivity, water use, and pest and disease cycles

Conservation Efforts

In situ conservation:

  • Presently the state has
  • 5 tiger reserves
  • 3 national parks
  • 21 wildlife sanctuaries
  • 36 conservation reserves and
  • 33 Hunting prohibited areas

Ex situ Conservation:

  • Zoos (Jaipur Jaipur Kota Bikaner) 
  • Deer Parks (7) : Ashok Vihar, jaipur; machiya safari, jodhpur; pushkar etc
  • Captive Breeding Center: Great Indian Bustard (GIB) Conservation Breeding Centre in Sam, Jaisalmer
  • 4 biological parks (jodhpur Udaipur Kota Jaipur)
National parks

Ranthambore National Park,1980

Ranthambore National Park,1980
  • Rajasthan’s first and largest National Park Spread over an area of 283km² in Sawai Madhopur District, Over Banas and Chambal River
  • Established as wildlife sanctuary (1955) and a tiger reserve (1973)
  • Also called home of Tigers
  • Tourist attraction places- Ranthambore Fort, Trinetra Ganesh Temple, Jogi Mahal and Dogvalley

Keoladeo Ghana bird sanctuary,1981

Keoladeo Ghana bird sanctuary,1981
  • Established as wildlife century in 1956, Ramsar site 1981, UNESCO World Heritage Site 1985(Only natural heritage site)
  • Called as paradise of birds
  • Smallest National Park Extended over 29 kM² In Bharatpur District over Banganga and Gambhir River
  • Attractions- python Siberian crane

Mukundra Hills,2012

  •  199 sq km-spread over Kota, Chittorgarh, Baran, Jhalawar.
  •  3rd Tiger project of state (Ranthambore,Sariska)
  • Attractions-  Gagroni parrot, Abli meeni palace(Kota),  Gagron fort, Ravtha palace
Wildlife  sanctuaries
  • National Desert Park Sanctuary,1980
    • 3162 sq km (largest sanctuary), Spread over Jaisalmer, Barmer
    • Xerophyte vegetation , Sevan-Leelan grass is found
    • Attractions-  Godavan bird (great Indian bustard), chinkara, Desert Fox,Spiny-Tailed Lizard, Akal wood fossil park features remnants from the Jurassic period( Recently remains of whale have also been found)
Godavan, National Desert Park Sanctuary,1980,
  • Kela Devi Wildlife Sanctuary,1983
    • 677 sq km (second largest),  Spread over  Karoli, Sawai Madhopur
    • Dhok forest
  • Kumbhalgarh wildlife sanctuary,1971
    • 611 sq km (third largest), Spread over Udaipur Pali and Rajsamand
    • Attractions- wolves, ranakpur jain temple 
wolves, Kumbhalgarh wildlife sanctuary,1971
  • Sariska Sanctuary,1955 – Alwar
    • second tiger project of Rajasthan 1978
    • Attractions-Peacocks and green pigeons 
    • Bhartrihari Temple, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple ,Pandupol Temple
  • Sariska ‘A’ Sanctuary
    • Alwar
    • smallest and newest sanctuary 
  • Tal Chappar Sanctuary,1971
    • Churu                                    
    • Attractions- Mochia grass, black buck and Kurja (demoiselle crane)
black buck, Tal Chappar Sanctuary,1971
  • Jamwa Ramgarh Wildlife Sanctuary,1982
    • Jaipur
    • Attractions- Jamwa Mata Temple, dhok forest
  • Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary,1980
    • Jaipur 
    • It is a biological park ( ex-situ conservation)
    • Attractions-  The Bear Rescue Center, hippopotamus and white tiger,  Lion Safari
  • Bandh Baretha WildLife Sanctuary,1985
    • Bharatpur,Kukundu river flows through it.
    • Attractions-  called “the house of birds”.Keoladeo’s birds take refuge in this sanctuary. 
  • Ramsagar WildLife Sanctuary,1955
    • Dholpur
  • Van Vihar WildLife Sanctuary,1955
    • Dholpur 
    • Attractions-Dense forests deer and leopards
  • Kesar Bagh Wildlife Sanctuary1955 
    • Dholpur
    • Attractions- blackbucks and chital
  • Sawai Mansingh WildLife Sanctuary,1984 
    • Sawai Madhopur
  • Sawai Madhopur Sanctuary,1955
    • Sawai Madhopur 
  • Ramgarh Vishdhari Wildlife Sanctuary,1982
    • Bundi,  The Mej river flows through it, Kanak Sagar/Dugari Dam
    • Attractions-  Python, Sandalwood tree and turmeric.
  • Jawahar Sagar WildLife Sanctuary,1975
    • Spreads over Bundi, Kota, Chittorgarh
    • Attractions- Alligators
  •  Sitamata Wildlife Sanctuary,1979
    • Spreads over Pratapgarh, Chittorgarh and Udaipur. Jakham River (Jakham Dam), Karmoi and Nalesar Rivers flow through it.
    • Attractions-Maximum biodiversity, called as Mother land of chital, flying squirrel, four horned antelope (chausingha) and pangolin (Adahula),teak forest and medicinal plants.
flying squirrel,  Sitamata Wildlife Sanctuary,1979
  • Bhainsrorgarh Wildlife Sanctuary1983
    • Chittorgarh, located on the bank of Chambal and Brahmani rivers. 
    • Attractions- Alligators 
  • Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary,1988
    • Chittorgarh
    • Attractions-  Jaleshwar Mahadev Temple
  •  Phulwari Ki Nal Sanctuary,1983
    •  Kotada (Udaipur)The Som, Mansi and Wakal rivers flow in this sanctuary. 
  • Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary,1955
    • Udaipur, Jaisamand Lake (also known as Dhebar Lake) is the second-largest artificial lake in Asia 
    • Attractions- also known as a colony of “aquatic animals “.
  • Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary,1987
    • Udaipur
    • Attractions- second smallest sanctuary of Rajasthan and first biological park ( ex-situ conservation)
  • Todgarh Raoli Wildlife Sanctuary,1983
    • Spreads over Ajmer, Pali, Rajsamand
    • Attractions- leopards, sloth bears
  • Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary,2008
    • Sirohi
    • Attractions- Dicliptera abu ansis plant, Eublepharis lizard,wild chicken
  • Shergarh Wildlife Sanctuary,1983
    • Baran,  Parvan river. 
    • Attractions- Snakes, Shergarh fort
  • Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary,1955
    • Spreads over Kota and Jhalawar
    • Attractions- Gagroni Parrot
  • National Chambal Alligator Sanctuary,1979
    • Spread between Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh. Extended in five districts of Rajasthan – Dholpur, Karoli, Sawai Madhopur, Bundi and Kota.
    • Attractions– Alligator, Gangetic Sus (Dolphin)
Alligator, National Chambal Alligator Sanctuary,1979
Conservation reserve
Conservation ReserveArea
1Bisalpur Conservation ReserveTonk
2Jod Beed Gadhwala Bikaner Conservation ReserveBikaner
3Sundhamata Conservation ReserveJalor, Sirohi
4Guda Vishnoiyan Conservation ReserveJodhpur
5Shakambari Conservation ReserveSikar, Neem Ka thana
6Gogelav Conservation ReserveNagaur
7Beed Jhunjhunu Conservation ReserveJhunjhunu
8Rotu Conservation ReserveNagaur
9Ummedganj pakshi Vihar Conservation ReserveKota
10Jawai Bandh Conservation ReservePali
11Bansiyal Khetri Conservation ReserveJhunjhunu
12Bansiyal – Khetri Bagore Conservation ReserveJhunjhunu
13Jawai Bandh Leopard Conservation Reserve-IIPali
14Mansa mata Conservation ReserveJhunjhunu, Neem ka thana
15Rankhar Conservation ReserveSanchor
16Shahbad Conservation ReserveBaran
17Shahabad Talheti Conservation ReserveBaran
18BeedGhaas Fulia Khurd Conservation ReserveShahpura
19Baghdarrah Crocodile Conservation ReserveUdaipur
20Wadakheda Conservation ReserveSirohi
21Jhalana-Amagarh Conservation ReserveJaipur
22Banjh Amli Conservation ReserveBaran
23Hamirgarh Conservation ReserveBhilwara
24Kharmor Conservation ReserveTonk
25Kurja Conservation ReservePhalodi
26Ramgarh Conservation ReserveBaran
27Sorsan I Conservation ReserveBaran
28Sorsan II Conservation ReserveBaran
29Sorsan III Conservation ReserveBaran
30Mahseer Conservation ReserveUdaipur
31Beed Fatehpur Conservation ReserveSikar
32Ganga Bhairav Ghati Conservation ReserveAjmer
33Beed Muhana Conservation Reserve-AJaipur 
34Beed Muhana Conservation Reserve-BJaipur 
35Baleshwar Conservation ReserveNeem ka thana,Sikar
36Amrakh Mahadev Leopard Conservation ReserveUdaipur
37Aasop Conservation Reserve* Bhilwara
Tiger projects
Tiger ReservesAreaSq km
1Ranthambhore Tiger ReserveSawaimadhopur, Karauli, Bundi, Tonk1530.23
2Sariska Tiger ReserveAlwar, Jaipur Rural, Kotputli-Behror1213.34
3Mukundara Hills Tiger ReserveKota, Bundi, Jhalawar, Chittorgarh1135.787
4Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger ReserveKota, Bundi1501.89
5Dholpur-Karauli Tiger ReserveDholpur, Karauli599.6406

Kumbhalgarh Tiger Reserve

Kumbhalgarh Tiger Reserve Faces Delays

The establishment of Rajasthan’s sixth tiger reserve in Kumbhalgarh is facing delays, allegedly due to lack of political will. The project, led by Deputy CM Diya Kumari, has been progressing slowly and appears deprioritized.

Key Developments:

  • In August 2023, after NTCA approval, a 10-member expert committee was formed. It proposed a 1,397 sq. km reserve across five districts, but progress has stalled.
  • Concerns from local residents about displacement and lack of formal land rights have created compensation hurdles.
  • The expert report (submitted on Oct 30) outlined the core area, buffer zones, and critical tiger habitat, but officials raised concerns over missing details.
  • Infrastructure challenges, like public roads cutting through the reserve, are yet to be addressed.
  • Wildlife Institute of India (WII) conducted a prey base estimation, but the planned study for the entire reserve has not yet started.

Ecological Significance:

  • Kumbhalgarh hosts the highest number of herbivores in the region.
  • The 2024 wildlife report records 15,000+ wild animals.

Despite its ecological importance, administrative delays continue to hinder the project.

Ramsar Site / Wetland Land
  • Those wetlands where particular animals and birds are being protected.
  • Two Ramsar sites in Rajasthan
    1. Keoladeo (1981) – Siberian Cranes
    2. Sambhar (1990) – Kurja and Flaming

Other Conservation Efforts:

  • Eco-Sensitive Zones (15): Including Band Baretha, Bassi, Keoladeo, Sitamata, Darra, Jamua Ramgarh, and others
  • Biodiversity Heritage Sites: Aakalwood Fossil Park (Jaisalmer), Keora-Ki-Nal (Udaipur), Ram-Kunda (Udaipur), Nag-Pahar (Ajmer), Chhapoli-Mansa Mata (Jhunjhunu)
  • Biological Parks (4+2 in process): Sajjangarh (Udaipur), Machiya (Jodhpur), Nahargarh, Abedha (Kota)
  • Eco-Tourism Sites (9)
  • Bird Reserves (2): Keoladeo and Sambhar

Godavan

  • (GIB) is the flagship species of the grassland, and the state bird of Rajasthan.GIBs are especially vulnerable because of their narrow frontal vision and large size. 
  • Their habitat consists of arid and semi-arid grasslands, often with scattered short shrubs, bushes, and low-intensity cropping. They tend to avoid irrigated areas. 
  • Historic Range: Indian subcontinent (india and pakistan),but their habitat has now shrunk to just 10 percent of its former extent.
  • 6 states : Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan (earlier 11 states)
  • Protection status : Critically Endangered (IUCN) : less than 150 Great Indian Bustards remaining in the wild.
  • Conservation Measures: 
  • Project Great Indian Bustard (Rajasthan) – 2013
  • Protected Areas : 
    • Desert National Park in Rajasthan 
    • Kutch Bustard Sanctuary, Gujrat
    • Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary or Jawaharlal nehru Bustard sanctuary , maharashtra 
    • Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh..
  • It is kept under the species recovery programme under the Integrated development of Wildlife Habitats of MoEFCC.
  • GIB Conservation Breeding project at Sam in Jaisalmer → 2019
  • The number of Great Indian Bustards has declined to less than 150 in the wild, with close to 90 of them found in just two protected areas, the Desert National Park and Ramdevra Army Protected Area. Its population has declined as much as 75% in 30 years
  • SC Intervention : However, The Centre has told the SC that it is not possible to comply with the court’s order to put power lines underground, even as they crisscross the Godavans’ habitat.

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